Meanwhile, a spokesman for West Sussex County Council - which is responsible for the school - said: “Twenty-two caravans are currently on site having forced entry on to the school field by cutting a padlock.

“The group have been served with notices under the Education Act 2002 and are required to leave the premises immediately.

“The first vehicles pulled up on a verge close to the school entrance just before 11am. The group then moved on the school playing field after further travellers arrived.

“They are believed to be the same group that was at Manor Royal who left after being given notice to quit by the landowner.